Magnetic head and magnetic recording device

ABSTRACT

It is made possible to restrict the variation of the oscillation frequency of a spin torque oscillator placed in the vicinity of the recording magnetic pole. A magnetic head includes: a recording magnetic pole to generate a recording magnetic field; a spin torque oscillator formed in the vicinity of the recording magnetic pole; and a magnetic field applying unit configured to apply a magnetic field to the spin torque oscillator. The magnetic field applied to the spin torque oscillator by the magnetic field applying unit is perpendicular to a recording magnetic field generated from the recording magnetic pole.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-247966 filed on Sep. 25, 2007 in Japan, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a magnetic head having a spin torque oscillator, and a magnetic recording device.

2. Related Art

In the 1990's, the recording density and capacity of HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) dramatically increased, with MR (Magneto-Resistive effect) heads and GMR (Giant Magneto-Resistive effect) heads being put into practical use. However, the problems of heat fluctuations of magnetic recording media became apparent in the early 2000's, and the increase of the recording density temporarily slowed down. In 2005, perpendicular magnetic recording, which is more suitable for high-density recording than in-plane magnetic recording in principle, was put into practical use. Since then, the recording density of HDDs has been increasing at an annual rate of approximately 40%.

The latest examinations on recording density show that the recording density of 400 Gbits/inch² has been reached. If the growth continues at this rate, the recording density of 1 Tbits/inch² will be achieved around the year 2012. However, achieving such a high recording density is not easy by the perpendicular magnetic recording method by itself, as the problem of heat fluctuations has resurfaced.

To counter this problem, a “high-frequency assisted magnetic recording method” has been suggested. By the high-frequency assisted magnetic recording method, a high-frequency magnetic field at a frequency in the neighborhood of the resonant frequency of a magnetic recording medium, which is much higher than the recording signal frequency, is locally applied to the magnetic recording medium. As a result, the magnetic recording medium where the high-frequency magnetic field applied resonates, and its coercivity (Hc) decreases to half the original value. Having a high-frequency magnetic field been overlapped with the recording magnetic field, magnetic recording on a magnetic recording medium having higher coercivity (Hc) and greater magnetic anisotropic energy (Ku) can be feasible (see U.S. Pat. No. 6,011,664, for example). However, according to U.S. Pat. No. 6,011,664, a high-frequency magnetic field is generated with a coil. By this method, the intensity of the high-frequency magnetic field that can be applied to the recording area rapidly decreases, as the recording area on the magnetic recording medium is made smaller so as to increase the recording density. Therefore, it is difficult to reduce the coercivity of the recording area.

To counter this problem, a method of utilizing spin torque oscillators has been suggested (see United States Patent Application Publication Nos. 2005/0023938 and 2005/0219771, for example). According to United States Patent Application Publication Nos. 2005/0023938 and 2005/0219771, spin torque oscillators are formed with a stacked film consisting of a spin polarization layer, a nonmagnetic layer provided on the spin polarization layer, and a spin oscillation layer provided on the nonmagnetic layer. When a direct current is applied to the spin torque oscillators, the electron spins passing through the spin polarization layer are polarized. The polarized spin current applies a spin torque to the spin oscillation layer, so that the magnetization of the spin oscillation layer has ferromagnetic resonance. As a result, a high-frequency magnetic field is generated from the spin oscillation layer.

This phenomenon can be often observed if the device size is several tens of nanometers or less. Therefore, the region where the high-frequency magnetic field generated from the spin torque oscillators is applied is limited to a very small area at a distance of several tens of nanometers from the spin torque oscillators. A magnetic recording head with the spin torque oscillators, whose oscillation frequency is set at a value equal to or in the neighborhood of the ferromagnetic resonant frequency of the recording layer of the magnetic recording medium, should be provided near the recording magnetic pole and the magnetic recording medium. With this arrangement, the high-frequency magnetic field generated from the spin torque oscillators can be applied only to the very small recording area on the recording layer of the magnetic recording medium. As a result, only the coercivity of the very small recording area can be reduced.

When the coercivity is reduced, the magnetization of the recording area can be reversed or information writing can be performed by applying a recording magnetic field to the recording area with the use of the recording magnetic pole.

Meanwhile, there is a method of performing recording on a magnetic recording medium having high coercivity (Hc) with the use of a diagonal recording magnetic field. According to the Stoner-Wohlfarth model, in a case of a magnetic field in a 45-degree direction, magnetic reversal of a magnetic recording medium having high coercivity (Hc) can be achieved with a small recording magnetic field. By the perpendicular magnetic recording method, it is possible to generate a diagonal recording magnetic field from a plane perpendicular to the plane of the recording magnetic pole facing the recording medium. To generate a diagonal magnetic field having a rapid field intensity change, an auxiliary magnetic pole can be effectively provided near the recording magnetic pole. The gap distance between the plane perpendicular to the plane of the recording magnetic pole facing the recording medium and the plane perpendicular to the plane of the auxiliary magnetic pole facing the recording medium is adjusted so that a magnetic field is diagonally generated in the recording medium and a rapid intensity change can be achieved. Accordingly, a high-density recording can be performed with a magnetic recording head having a recording magnetic pole and an auxiliary magnetic pole. In this manner, a magnetic recording medium having higher coercivity (Hc) and greater magnetic anisotropic energy (Ku) can be used.

To effectively reduce the coercivity of the recording area by applying a high-frequency magnetic field generated from the spin torque oscillators, the oscillation frequency of the spin torque oscillators needs to be substantially equal to the ferromagnetic resonant frequency of the magnetic recording medium. The oscillation frequency of the spin torque oscillators increases in proportion to the effective magnetic field H_(eff) applied to the spin oscillation layer. This effective magnetic field H_(eff) is determined by an internal magnetic field (such as the magnetic anisotropy) of the spin oscillation layer and an external magnetic field (such as a recording magnetic field). In a case where the spin torque oscillators are placed near the recording magnetic pole, the magnetic field applied from the recording magnetic pole to the spin torque oscillator has a value as large as several kOe. As a result, the recording magnetic field applied to the spin torque oscillators becomes much greater than the internal magnetic field, and the oscillation frequency of the spin torque oscillators varies with the direction of the write magnetic field.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a magnetic head that can restrict the variation of the oscillation frequency of a spin torque oscillator placed in the vicinity of the recording magnetic pole, and a magnetic recording device that has the magnetic head.

A magnetic head according to a first aspect of the present invention includes: a recording magnetic pole to generate a recording magnetic field; a spin torque oscillator formed in the vicinity of the recording magnetic pole; and a magnetic field applying unit configured to apply a magnetic field to the spin torque oscillator, the magnetic field applied to the spin torque oscillator by the magnetic field applying unit being perpendicular to a recording magnetic field generated from the recording magnetic pole.

A magnetic head according to a second aspect of the present invention includes: a recording magnetic pole to generate a recording magnetic field; a spin torque oscillator formed in the vicinity of the recording magnetic pole; and a magnetic field applying unit provided at either end portion of the spin torque oscillator in a direction perpendicular to a direction parallel to a line connecting the recording magnetic pole and the spin torque oscillator in a plane parallel to an air bearing surface, the magnetic field applying unit configured to apply a magnetic field to the spin torque oscillator, the spin torque oscillator including: a first magnetic layer comprising at least one layer of magnetic film; a second magnetic layer comprising at least one layer of magnetic film; an intermediate layer provided between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer; and an electrode comprising a first electrode layer placed on a face of the first magnetic layer on the opposite side from the intermediate layer, and a second electrode layer placed on a face of the second magnetic layer on the opposite side from the intermediate layer, the electrode being capable of applying a current flowing in a direction perpendicular to film planes of the first magnetic layer, the intermediate layer, and the second magnetic layer, the first electrode layer, the first magnetic layer, the intermediate layer, the second magnetic layer, and the second electrode layer being stacked in a direction parallel to a direction connecting the two end portions of the spin torque oscillator.

A magnetic head according to a third aspect of the present invention includes: a recording magnetic pole to generate a recording magnetic field; a spin torque oscillator formed in the vicinity of the recording magnetic pole; and a magnetic field applying unit provided at either end portion of the spin torque oscillator in a direction perpendicular to a direction parallel to a line connecting the recording magnetic pole and the spin torque oscillator in a plane parallel to an air bearing surface, the magnetic field applying unit configured to apply a magnetic field to the spin torque oscillator, the spin torque oscillator including: a first magnetic layer comprising at least one layer of magnetic film; a second magnetic layer comprising at least one layer of magnetic film; an intermediate layer provided between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer; and an electrode comprising a first electrode layer placed on a face of the first magnetic layer on the opposite side from the intermediate layer, and a second electrode layer placed on a face of the second magnetic layer on the opposite side from the intermediate layer, the electrode being capable of applying a current flowing in a direction perpendicular to film planes of the first magnetic layer, the intermediate layer, and the second magnetic layer, the first electrode layer, the first magnetic layer, the intermediate layer, the second magnetic layer, and the second electrode layer being stacked in a direction perpendicular to a direction connecting the two end portions of the spin torque oscillator.

A magnetic recording device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention includes: a magnetic recording medium; and the magnetic head according to any one of first to third aspects, wherein writing on the magnetic recording medium is performed with the use of the magnetic recording head.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a magnetic head according to a first embodiment, taken in the track longitudinal direction;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the magnetic recording head of the first embodiment, taken in the track width direction;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a first specific example of the spin torque oscillator according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the first specific example of the spin torque oscillator according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a second specific example of the spin torque oscillator according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the second specific example of the spin torque oscillator according to the first embodiment;

FIGS. 7A to 7D illustrate the relationship between the leakage magnetic field from the main magnetic pole and the effective magnetic field applied to the oscillator layer;

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate the effects of the first embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a magnetic head according to a first modification of the first embodiment, taken in the track width direction;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a magnetic head according to a second modification of the first embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a magnetic head according to a third modification of the first embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a magnetic head according to a fourth modification of the first embodiment, taken in the track longitudinal direction;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a magnetic head according to a fifth modification of the first embodiment, taken in the track longitudinal direction;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the positions of the electromagnetic coils in a magnetic head of the fifth modification;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the position of the electromagnetic coil in a magnetic head of the fifth modification;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a magnetic head according to a second embodiment of the present invention, taken in the track longitudinal direction;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a first specific example of the spin torque oscillator according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a second specific example of the spin torque oscillator according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a magnetic head according to a first modification of the second embodiment, taken in the track longitudinal direction;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a magnetic head according to a second modification of the second embodiment, taken in the track longitudinal direction;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a magnetic recording and reproducing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the top portions of the magnetic head assembly;

FIGS. 23( a) and 23(b) illustrate a discrete-track magnetic recording medium that can be used in each of the embodiments; and

FIGS. 24( a) and 24(b) illustrate a discrete-bit magnetic recording medium that can be used in each of the embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following is a description of embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First Embodiment

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 8B, a magnetic head in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention is described. The magnetic head of this embodiment is a magnetic head for assisting a high-frequency magnetic field, and is used with a perpendicular magnetic recording medium.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the magnetic head of this embodiment and a magnetic recording medium, taken along a plane in a direction (the track longitudinal direction) that is perpendicular to a plane facing the magnetic recording medium and is parallel to the moving direction of the magnetic recording medium. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the magnetic head of this embodiment, taken along a plane in a direction (the track width direction) that is perpendicular to the plane facing the magnetic recording medium and is perpendicular to the moving direction of the magnetic recording medium.

As shown in FIG. 1, the magnetic recording head of this embodiment includes a reproducing head unit 10 and a writing head unit 20. The reproducing head unit 10 includes a magnetic shield 12, a magnetic shield 14, and a magnetic reproducing element 16 interposed between the magnetic shield 12 and the magnetic shield 14.

The magnetic reproducing element 16 may be a GMR (Giant Magneto-Resistive effect) element or a TMR (Tunneling Magneto-Resistive effect) element. The magnetic reproducing element 16 is interposed between the end portions of the magnetic shields 12 and 14 on the side of a magnetic recording medium 100.

The magnetic recording medium 100 includes a magnetic recording medium substrate 102, a soft magnetic layer 103 placed on the magnetic recording medium substrate 102, and a magnetic recording layer 104 placed on the soft magnetic layer 103. The magnetic reproducing element 16 is placed in the vicinity of the magnetic recording layer 104 of the magnetic recording medium 100. The magnetic reproducing element 16 and the area of the magnetic recording layer 104 located immediately below the magnetic reproducing element 16 (the read area) form a magnetic circuit. The magnetic resistance of this magnetic circuit varies with the magnetization direction recorded in the read area of the magnetic recording layer 104. The magnetic reproducing element 16 detects the varying magnetic resistance, so as to read (reproduce) the magnetization direction recorded on the magnetic recording layer 104 (recorded information). In FIG. 1, the moving direction of the magnetic recording medium 100 is indicated by the arrow 50.

The writing head unit 20 includes a magnetic core 21 formed with a main magnetic pole (recording magnetic pole) 22 and a return yoke (a magnetic shield) 24, an electromagnetic coil 27 for exciting the magnetic core 21, a spin torque oscillator 26, and an electromagnet 28 for applying a magnetic field to the spin torque oscillator 26. The return yoke 24 includes a main portion 24 a, a front portion 24 b connected to the end portion of the main portion 24 a on the side of the magnetic recording medium 100, and a rear portion 24 c connected to the end portion of the main portion 24 a on the opposite side from the magnetic recording medium 100. The front portion 24 b extends in a direction parallel to an air bearing surface 22 a of the recording magnetic pole. The rear portion 24 c is also connected to the end portion of the main magnetic pole 22 on the opposite side from the magnetic recording medium 100. The spin torque oscillator 26 is interposed between the end portion of the main magnetic pole 22 on the side of the magnetic recording medium 100 and the front portion 24 b of the return yoke 24. The electromagnetic coil 27 is designed to surround or wind around the rear portion 24 c of the return yoke 24, so as to excite the magnetic core 21. In this embodiment, the spin torque oscillator 26 is provided on the trailing side of the main magnetic pole 22.

The electromagnet 28 includes a C-shaped magnetic core 28 a and electromagnetic coils 28 b for exciting the magnetic core 28 a (see FIG. 2). The C-shaped magnetic core 28 a is placed to substantially be perpendicular to the magnetic core 21, and the spin torque oscillator 26 is placed between the magnetic poles of the magnetic core 28 a.

The components of the reproducing head unit are insulated from the components of the writing head unit by an insulator (not shown) such as alumina. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 60 indicates the moving direction of the magnetic recording medium 100, which moves forward in the direction perpendicular to the paper plane.

The magnetization of the magnetic recording layer 104 is controlled in a predetermined direction by the magnetic field applied by the writing head unit 20, and writing is performed. The reproducing head unit 10 reads the magnetization direction of the magnetic recording layer 104.

FIG. 3 illustrates a first specific example of the spin torque oscillator 26 to be used for the magnetic head of this embodiment. The spin torque oscillator 26 of the first specific example has a stacked structure. In the stacked structure, an electrode layer 26 ₁, a spin injection layer 26 ₂ (a second magnetic layer) having a fixed magnetization direction, an intermediate layer 26 ₃ having a high spin transmission rate, an oscillation layer 26 ₄ (a first magnetic layer), and an electrode layer 26 ₅ are stacked. The film plane of this stacked structure is substantially perpendicular to the air bearing surface of the stacked structure facing the magnetic recording medium 100, and is substantially parallel to the moving direction 50 of the magnetic recording medium 100. In other words, the film plane of this stacked structure is substantially parallel to the direction extending from the main magnetic pole 22 to the front portion 24 b of the return yoke 24. In this first specific example, the film plane of the stacked structure of the spin torque oscillator 26 is substantially perpendicular to the orientation of the magnetic field that is applied to the spin torque oscillator 26 by the electromagnet 28.

With the use of a constant current source 70 that is suitably placed inside or outside the magnetic head, a predetermined direct current can be applied to the spin torque oscillator 26 via the electrode layer 26 ₁ and the electrode layer 26 ₅, as shown in FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, the current flows from the electrode layer 26 ₅ to the electrode layer 26 ₁, as indicated by the arrow 75, or the current flows in a direction perpendicular to the film plane of the stacked structure of the spin torque oscillator 26.

FIG. 3 shows the magnetization directions of the spin injection layer 26 ₂ and the oscillation layer 26 ₄ that are observed when there is not an external magnetic field, and the current from the constant current source 70 does not flow into the spin torque oscillator 26. The magnetization of the spin injection layer 26 ₂ is oriented in a direction perpendicular to the film plane, and the magnetization of the oscillation layer 26 ₄ is oriented in a direction parallel to the film plane. When the current generated from the constant current source 70 is applied to the spin torque oscillator 26 in this situation, a spin torque is applied to the magnetization of the oscillation layer 26 ₄ as described later, and the magnetization of the oscillation layer 26 ₄ exhibits ferromagnetic resonance (magnetization precession), as shown in FIG. 4.

As in a second specific example shown in FIG. 5, the spin torque oscillator 26 may have a stacked structure in which an electrode layer 26 ₁, a spin injection layer 26 ₂, an intermediate layer 26 ₃ having a high spin transmission rate, an oscillation layer 26 ₄, and an electrode layer 26 ₅ are stacked, and the film plane of this stacked structure is substantially perpendicular to the air bearing surface of the stacked structure and is substantially perpendicular to the moving direction 50 of the magnetic recording medium 100. In this case, the film plane of this stacked structure is substantially perpendicular to the direction extending from the main magnetic pole 22 to the front portion 24 b of the return yoke 24. In this second specific example, the film plane of the stacked structure of the spin torque oscillator 26 is substantially parallel to the orientation of the magnetic field that is applied to the spin torque oscillator 26 by the electromagnet 28.

FIG. 5 shows the magnetization directions of the spin injection layer 26 ₂ and the oscillation layer 26 ₄ that are observed when there is not an external magnetic field, and the current from the constant current source 70 does not flow into the spin torque oscillator 26. The magnetization directions of the spin injection layer 26 ₂ and the oscillation layer 26 ₄ are substantially parallel to the film plane, and are antiparallel to each other (the opposite direction from each other). When the current generated from the constant current source 70 is applied in the direction indicated by the arrow 75 in FIG. 6 to the spin torque oscillator 26 in this situation, a spin torque is applied to the magnetization of the oscillation layer 26 ₄ as described later, and the magnetization of the oscillation layer 26 ₄ exhibits ferromagnetic resonance (magnetization precession), as shown in FIG. 6. In a case where the magnetic directions of the spin injection layer 26 ₂ and the oscillation layer 26 ₄ are parallel to the film plane and are parallel to each other (the same directions) when there is not an external magnetic field and the current from the constant current source 70 does not flow into the spin torque oscillator 26, a spin torque can be applied to the magnetization of the oscillation layer 26 ₄ by applying the current in the opposite direction from the arrow 75 shown in FIG. 6, and the magnetization of the oscillation layer 26 ₄ exhibits ferromagnetic resonance (magnetization precession).

As can be seen from FIGS. 3 through 6, the bias magnetic field H_(bias) applied to the spin torque oscillator 26 by the electromagnet 28 is substantially perpendicular to the direction extending from the main magnetic pole 22 to the front portion 24 b of the return yoke 24. In FIGS. 3 through 6, the main magnetic pole 22 and the front portion 24 b of the return yoke 24 are only schematically shown for convenience sake.

Next, the principles of the ferromagnetic resonance of the magnetization of the oscillation layer 26 ₄ are described. When a current is applied to the electrode layer 26 ₅, the oscillation layer 26 ₄, the intermediate layer 26 ₃, the spin injection layer 26 ₂, and the electrode layer 26 ₁ in this order, electrons flow in the opposite direction from the current flowing direction. In this case, the electron spins flowing from the electrode layer 26 ₁ into the spin injection layer 26 ₂ and passing through the spin injection layer 26 ₂ are polarized in a direction parallel to the magnetization direction of the spin injection layer 26 ₂. The polarized electrons then flow into the oscillation layer 26 ₄ via the intermediate layer 26 ₃ having a high spin transmission rate, and cause a spin torque in the magnetization of the oscillation layer 26 ₄.

In a case where the current is applied in the opposite direction from the above, electrons having spins in the opposite direction from the magnetization direction of the spin injection layer 26 ₂ are reflected by the interface between the intermediate layer 26 ₃ and the spin injection layer 26 ₂. The reflected electrons are injected into the oscillation layer 26 ₄ through the intermediate layer 26 ₃, and cause a spin torque in the magnetization of the oscillation layer 26 ₄. As a result, the magnetization of the oscillation layer 26 ₄ exhibits ferromagnetic resonance (magnetization precession), and a high-frequency magnetic field is generated in accordance with the magnetic characteristics of the oscillation layer 26 ₄ and the intensity of the magnetic field applied by the electromagnet 28.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the spin torque oscillator 26 is placed between the main magnetic pole 22 and the return yoke 24, and between the magnetic poles of the electromagnet 28 that applies a magnetic field. The bias magnetic field H_(bias) applied by the electromagnet 28 that is provided to generate a magnetic field is applied to the oscillation layer 26 ₄ of the spin torque oscillator 26. Since the oscillation frequency of the spin torque oscillator 26 is substantially determined by the intensity of the applied magnetic field, the oscillation frequency can be controlled by the electromagnet 28 applying the bias magnetic field H_(bias). The electromagnet 28 is made of a material such as FeCo, which has a relatively high saturation flux density.

The electrode layer 26 ₁ and the electrode layer 26 ₅ of the spin torque oscillator 26 are preferably made of a material such as Ti or Cu, which has a low electric resistance and is not easily oxidized. The intermediate layer 26 ₃ is made of a material having a high spin transmission rate, such as Cu, Ag, or Au. Examples of the materials for the spin injection layer 26 ₂ and the oscillation layer 26 ₄ include:

(1) soft magnetic layers each having a relatively high saturation flux density and magnetic anisotropy in the film in-plane direction, such as a CoFe layer, a CoNiFe layer, a NiFe layer, a CoZrNb layer, a FeN layer, a FeSi layer, and a FeAISi layer (suitable for the oscillation layer); (2) CoCr magnetic alloy films each having magnetization oriented in the film in-plane direction; (3) CoCr magnetic layers each having magnetization oriented in a direction perpendicular to the film plane, such as a CoCrPt layer, a CoCrTa layer, a CoCrTaPt layer, and a CoCrTaNb layer (suitable for the spin injection layer); (4) RE-TM amorphous alloy magnetic layers, such as a TbFeCo layer (suitable for the spin injection layer); (5) Co artificial lattice magnetic layers, such as a Co/Pd layer, a Co/Pt layer, and a CoCrTa/Pd layer (suitable for the spin injection layer); (6) materials with excellent vertical alignment, such as CoPt or FePt alloy magnetic layers and SmCo alloy magnetic layers (suitable for the spin injection layer); and (7) alloys that are formed by adding Al, Si, Ge, Mn, or Cr to CoFe (suitable for the spin injection layer).

Alternatively, to adjust the saturation flux density and the anisotropic magnetic field, the above materials may be stacked to form the spin injection layer and the oscillation layer. Also, to increase the oscillation frequency of the oscillation layer, or to effectively secure the magnetization of the spin injection layer, the above materials may be stacked, with a nonmagnetic layer being interposed in between, so as to form the spin injection layer 26 ₂ or the oscillation layer 26 ₄. The resultant stacked structure may be a stacked ferri-structure in which the magnetization directions of the above materials are antiparallel to one another, or a stacked structure in which the magnetization directions of the above materials are parallel to one another. In such a case, it is preferable that a noble metal such as Cu, Pt, Au, Ag, Pd, or Ru is used for the nonmagnetic layer, and it is possible to use a nonmagnetic transition metal such as Cr, Rh, Mo, or W.

Further, a stacked structure of a ferromagnetic layer and an antiferromagnetic layer that takes advantage of exchange coupling may be used for the spin injection layer 26 ₂ or the oscillation layer 26 ₄. This is because the magnetization of the spin injection layer can be effectively secured as the oscillation frequency of the oscillation layer is increased. Here, examples of the material for the antiferromagnetic layer include FeMn, NiMn, FeNiMn, FeMnRh, RhMn, CoMn, CrMn, CrMnPt, CrMnRh, CrMnCu, CrMnPd, CrMnIr, CrMnNi, CrMnCo, CrMnTi, PtMn, PdMn, PdPtMn, and IrMn.

The thickness of the oscillation layer 26 ₄ is preferably 5 nm or greater so as to apply a sufficient high-frequency magnetic field to the magnetic recording medium 100, and is preferably 20 nm or smaller so as to achieve a uniform oscillation mode. The thickness of the spin injection layer 26 ₂ is preferably 2 nm or greater, so as to restrict the oscillation at the spin injection layer 26 ₂.

The effects of this embodiment are now described. FIGS. 7A to 7D illustrate the relationship between the leakage field from the main magnetic pole of a conventional magnetic head and the magnetization direction of the spin injection layer of the spin torque oscillator in each of the magnetic heads that are disclosed in United States Patent Application Publication Nos. 2005/0023938 and 2005/0219771. To form a magnetic recording head that efficiently assists a high-frequency magnetic field, the spin torque oscillator should be placed close to the main magnetic pole, and the in-plane high-frequency magnetic field and the diagonal recording magnetic field should be efficiently combined with each other in a magnetic recording medium. As the spin torque oscillator is placed in the vicinity of the main magnetic pole, the write magnetic field applied to the oscillator layer of the spin torque oscillator by the main magnetic pole reaches several kOe. Therefore, each of the conventional structures disclosed in United States Patent Application Publication Nos. 2005/0023938 and 2005/0219771 has the problem that the oscillation conditions vary with the orientation of the write magnetic field. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the effective magnetic field H_(eff) of the oscillation layer is substantially determined by the write magnetic field H_(write), and becomes substantially antiparallel (FIG. 7A) or parallel (FIG. 7B) to the magnetization direction M_(SIL) of the spin injection layer, depending on the positive or negative orientation of the write magnetic field H_(write). In a case where a current flows in the direction shown in FIGS. 7C and 7D, when the effective magnetic field H_(eff) is substantially antiparallel to the magnetization direction M_(SIL) of the spin injection layer (FIG. 7C), a spin torque is applied to the oscillation layer, and a high-frequency magnetic field in accordance with the magnetic characteristics and effective magnetic field and the likes of the oscillator layer is generated. When the effective magnetic field H_(eff) is substantially parallel to the magnetization direction M_(SIL) of the spin injection layer (FIG. 7D), a spin torque is not applied to the oscillation layer, and the magnetization of the oscillation layer does not oscillate. In FIGS. 7A to 7D, the symbol M indicates the magnetization direction of the oscillation layer.

In this embodiment, on the other hand, the direction of the bias magnetic field H_(bias) is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the write magnetic field H_(write), as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. Accordingly, the effective magnetic field H_(eff) of the oscillator layer of the spin torque oscillator 26 (the rotational axis of the magnetization of the oscillator layer) is tilted from the direction of the bias magnetic field H_(bias) of the spin torque oscillator 26 by a predetermined angle ±θ, depending on the write magnetic field H_(write) of the main magnetic pole 22. However, it is considered that the effective magnetic field H_(eff) determining the oscillator frequency has an invariable component in the direction of the bias magnetic field H_(bias). Accordingly, the oscillator frequency can be made stable even when the direction of the write magnetic field H_(write) varies. In FIGS. 8A and 8B, the magnetization direction M_(SIL) of the spin injection layer is substantially antiparallel to the direction of the bias magnetic field H_(bias), and the angle θ is small enough. Accordingly, the effective magnetic field H_(eff) is substantially antiparallel to the magnetization direction M_(SIL) of the spin injection layer, and stable oscillation can be maintained when a current flows in the direction of the arrow 75 shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. FIGS. 8A and 8B are plan views of the writing head unit, seen from the magnetic recording medium side. In this embodiment, each specific example of the spin torque oscillator has the electrode layer 26 ₅, the oscillator layer 26 ₄, the intermediate layer 26 ₃, the spin injection layer 26 ₂, and the electrode layer 26 ₁ stacked in a direction substantially parallel to the magnetic field applied to the spin torque oscillator 26. However, the electrode layer 26 ₅, the oscillator layer 26 ₄, the intermediate layer 26 ₃, the spin injection layer 26 ₂, and the electrode layer 26 ₁ may be stacked in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field applied to the spin torque oscillator 26. With such a spin torque oscillator, a variation of the spin torque oscillator frequency due to a recording magnetic field can also be restricted.

Next, modifications of the magnetic head of this embodiment are described.

First Modification

FIG. 9 illustrates a magnetic head in accordance with a first modification of this embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the magnetic head of this modification, taken along a plane in a direction (the track width direction) perpendicular to the surface of the magnetic recording medium and the moving direction of the magnetic recording medium. This modification differs from the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, in that the magnetic core of the electromagnet 28 is placed several nanometers to 10 nm further away from the air bearing surface 26 a of the spin torque oscillator 26, so that the magnetic core is also further away from the magnetic recording medium 100. With this arrangement, the intensity of the leakage magnetic field applied to the magnetic recording medium 100 by the magnetic core 28 a of the electromagnet 28 becomes lower, and magnetization information can be stably recorded in the recording unit.

Like the first embodiment, this modification can restrict the variation of the spin torque oscillator frequency due to a recording magnetic field.

In this modification, as the spin torque oscillator 26, it is possible to employ a spin torque oscillator having the electrode layer 26 ₅, the oscillator layer 26 ₄, the intermediate layer 26 ₃, the spin injection layer 26 ₂, and the electrode layer 26 ₁ stacked in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of the magnetic field applied to the spin torque oscillator 26 by the electromagnet 28, as shown in FIG. 4. It is also possible to employ a spin torque oscillator having the electrode layer 26 ₅, the oscillator layer 26 ₄, the intermediate layer 26 ₃, the spin injection layer 26 ₂, and the electrode layer 26 ₁ stacked in a direction substantially perpendicular to the orientation of the magnetic field applied to the spin torque oscillator 26 by the electromagnet 28, as shown in FIG. 6.

Second Modification

FIG. 10 illustrates a magnetic head in accordance with a second modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of the magnetic head of this modification. In the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 or 6, the magnetic core 28 a of the electromagnet 28 is designed to surround the rear portion 24 c of the return yoke 24. In this modification, however, the magnetic core 28 a of the electromagnet 28 is designed to surround the main magnetic pole 22. This magnetic core 28 a includes a pair of first portions 28 a ₁, a pair of second portions 28 a ₂, a pair of third portions 28 a ₃, and a pair of fourth portions 28 a ₄. The pair of first portions 28 a ₁ has magnetic poles magnetically connected to the spin torque oscillator 26, and extend in a direction parallel to the air bearing surface of the spin torque oscillator and perpendicular to the direction from the front portion 24 b of the return yoke 24 to the main magnetic pole 22. Each of the second portions 28 a ₂ has one end connected to the corresponding first portion 28 a ₁, and extends in a direction parallel to the air bearing surface of the spin torque oscillator and also parallel to the direction from the front portion 24 b of the return yoke 24 to the main magnetic pole 22. Each of the third portions 28 a ₃ has one end connected to the other end of the corresponding second portion 28 a ₂, and extends in a direction perpendicular to the air bearing surface of the spin torque oscillator. The pair of fourth portions 28 a ₄ are connected to the other ends of the third portions 28 a ₃, and extend in a direction parallel to the air bearing surface of the spin torque oscillator and perpendicular to the direction from the front portion 24 b of the return yoke 24 to the main magnetic pole 22.

The first through fourth portions are designed to surround the main magnetic pole 22. Accordingly, the fourth portions 28 a ₄ are interposed between the main magnetic pole 22 and the reproducing head unit (not shown). Also, a pair of electromagnetic coils 28 b are provided to surround the respective third portions 28 a ₃.

Like the first embodiment, this modification can restrict the variation of the spin torque oscillator frequency due to a recording magnetic field.

In this modification, as the spin torque oscillator 26, it is possible to employ a spin torque oscillator having the electrode layer 26 ₅, the oscillator layer 26 ₄, the intermediate layer 26 ₃, the spin injection layer 26 ₂, and the electrode layer 26 ₁ stacked in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of the magnetic field applied to the spin torque oscillator 26 by the electromagnet 28, as shown in FIG. 4. It is also possible to employ a spin torque oscillator having the electrode layer 26 ₅, the oscillator layer 26 ₄, the intermediate layer 26 ₃, the spin injection layer 26 ₂, and the electrode layer 26 ₁ stacked in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field applied to the spin torque oscillator 26 by the electromagnet 28, as shown in FIG. 6.

Third Modification

FIG. 11 illustrates a magnetic head in accordance with a third modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of the magnetic head of this modification. The magnetic head of this modification differs from the second modification illustrated in FIG. 10, in that the electromagnetic coils 28 b are designed to surround the fourth portions 28 a ₄.

Like the first embodiment, this modification can also restrict the variation of the spin torque oscillator frequency due to a recording magnetic field.

In this modification, as the spin torque oscillator 26, it is possible to employ a spin torque oscillator having the electrode layer 26 ₅, the oscillator layer 26 ₄, the intermediate layer 26 ₃, the spin injection layer 26 ₂, and the electrode layer 26 ₁ stacked in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of the magnetic field applied to the spin torque oscillator 26 by the electromagnet 28, as shown in FIG. 4. It is also possible to employ a spin torque oscillator having the electrode layer 26 ₅, the oscillator layer 26 ₄, the intermediate layer 26 ₃, the spin injection layer 26 ₂, and the electrode layer 26 ₁ stacked in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field applied to the spin torque oscillator 26 by the electromagnet 28, as shown in FIG. 6.

Fourth Modification

FIG. 12 illustrates a magnetic head in accordance with a fourth modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the magnetic head of this modification and a magnetic recording medium, taken along a plane in a direction (the track longitudinal direction) that is perpendicular to the surface of the magnetic recording medium and is parallel to the moving direction of the magnetic recording medium. The magnetic head of this modification differs from the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, in that the writing head unit 20 is replaced with a writing head unit 20A of a single-pole structure. In this writing head unit 20A, the return yoke 24 of the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 is replaced with a return yoke 24A that does not have the front portion (the shield) 24 b. Accordingly, in this modification, the cross section taken along the plane in a direction (the track width direction) that is perpendicular to the air bearing surface and is perpendicular to the moving direction of the magnetic recording medium is exactly the same as the cross section of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2.

In a magnetic recording head having a conventional single-pole structure, a perpendicular recording magnetic field is generated immediately below the main magnetic pole, but an insufficient diagonal recording magnetic field is generated in the magnetic recording medium. Therefore, it is preferable that a return yoke (a shield) is placed in the vicinity of the main magnetic pole. In a case where the electromagnet 28 is placed in the vicinity of the main magnetic pole 22 as in this modification (see FIG. 2), however, the in-plane magnetic field generated from the two magnetic poles of the electromagnet 28 is combined with the perpendicular recording magnetic field generated from the main magnetic pole 22, and a diagonal recording magnetic field is generated within the magnetic recording medium 100 accordingly. With this arrangement, the in-plane high-frequency magnetic field and the diagonal recording magnetic field can be combined with each other within the medium, without the return path (the shield) 24 b. In a magnetic recording operation utilizing such a diagonal recording magnetic field, recording can be performed with a smaller magnetic field than the normal coercivity of the magnetic recording medium 100.

Like the first embodiment, this modification can also restrict the variation of the spin torque oscillator frequency due to a recording magnetic field.

Fifth Modification

FIG. 13 illustrates a magnetic head in accordance with a fifth modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the magnetic head of this modification and a magnetic recording medium, taken along a plane in a direction (the track longitudinal direction) that is perpendicular to the surface of the magnetic recording medium and is parallel to the moving direction of the magnetic recording medium. The magnetic head of this modification differs from the magnetic head of the fourth modification shown in FIG. 12, in that the writing head unit 20A is replaced with a writing head unit 20B having the spin torque oscillator 26 placed on the leading side of the main magnetic pole 22. Accordingly, the electromagnet 28 is also placed on the leading side of the main magnetic pole 22.

In a magnetic recording operation utilizing a high-frequency assisted magnetic field, writing is performed at the portion at which the in-plane high-frequency magnetic field generated from the spin torque oscillator 26 is combined with the recording magnetic field generated from the main magnetic pole 22. Accordingly, in a magnetic recording operation utilizing a high-frequency assisted magnetic field, the magnetization information in the recording area with respect to the recording magnetic field generated from the main magnetic pole 22 is more stable than in a conventional magnetic recording operation. Thus, the spin torque oscillator 26 can be placed on the leading side of the main magnetic pole 22 as in this modification.

In this modification, the electromagnetic coils 28 b of the electromagnet 28 may be designed to surround the two portions of the magnetic core 28 a perpendicular to the air bearing surface of the spin torque oscillator, as shown in FIG. 14. Alternatively, the electromagnetic coil 28 b may be designed to surround the portion of the magnetic core 28 a that is the furthest away from the air bearing surface of the spin torque oscillator and is parallel to the air bearing surface, as shown in FIG. 15. FIGS. 14 and 15 are cross-sectional views of magnetic heads in accordance with this modification, taken along a plane in a direction (the track width direction) that is perpendicular to the air bearing surface of the spin torque oscillator and is perpendicular to the moving direction of the magnetic recording medium.

Like the first embodiment, this modification can also restrict the variation of the spin torque oscillator frequency due to a recording magnetic field.

Second Embodiment

Referring now to FIGS. 16 to 18, a magnetic head in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention is described.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the magnetic head of this embodiment and a magnetic recording medium, taken along a plane in a direction (the track longitudinal direction) that is perpendicular to the air bearing surface and is parallel to the moving direction of the magnetic recording medium. FIGS. 17 and 18 are perspective views showing first and second specific examples of the spin torque oscillator of the magnetic head of this embodiment.

In a magnetic head of the first embodiment, a bias magnetic field is applied to the spin torque oscillator 26 by the electromagnet 28. In the magnetic head of this embodiment, however, a bias magnetic field is applied by hard bias film, instead of the electromagnet 28. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, in the magnetic head of this embodiment, the writing head unit 20 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is replaced with a writing head unit 20C that does not have the electromagnet 28. Instead of the electromagnet 28, a hard bias film 30 is provided outside the electrodes 26, and 26 ₅ of the spin torque oscillator 26, and a bias layer 26 ₆ is provided between the electrode 26 ₅ and the oscillator layer 26 ₄ of the spin torque oscillator 26, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. Accordingly, the spin torque oscillator 26 includes the electrode 25 ₁, the spin injection layer 26 ₂, the intermediate layer 26 ₃, the oscillator layer 26 ₄, the bias layer 26 ₆, and the electrode 26 ₅.

The method of applying a bias magnetic field to the spin torque oscillator 26 by virtue of the hard bias film 30 as in this embodiment has the advantage that the resultant structure is simple and is easier to produce than a structure with an electromagnet. The bias layer 26 ₆ of the spin torque oscillator 26 reinforces the magnetic field of the hard bias film 30, and is used to increase the magnetization of the oscillation layer 26 ₄ and the spin injection layer 26 ₂, and to increase the effective magnetic field in the track width direction by virtue of strong exchange coupling. Accordingly, if the bias magnetic field generated by the hard bias film 30 is sufficient, the bias layer 26 ₆ is not necessary.

As shown in FIG. 17, in the first specific example of the spin torque oscillator 26, the film planes of the electrode 26 ₅, the bias layer 26 ₆, the oscillation layer 26 ₄, the intermediate layer 26 ₃, the spin injection layer 26 ₂, and the electrode 26, are substantially perpendicular to the recording air bearing surface and are substantially perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field applied to the spin torque oscillator 26 by the hard bias film 30. The current generated from the constant current source 70 flows in the direction of the arrow 75, and is substantially parallel to the magnetic field applied by the hard bias film 30. In this first specific example, the magnetization directions of the spin injection layer 26 ₂ and the bias layer 26 ₆ are perpendicular to the film plane, and are parallel to each other.

As shown in FIG. 18, in the second specific example of the spin torque oscillator 26, the film planes of the electrode 26 ₅, a base layer 26 ₇, the bias layer 26 ₆, the oscillation layer 26 ₄, the intermediate layer 26 ₃, the spin injection layer 26 ₂, and the electrode 26 ₁ are substantially perpendicular to the recording air bearing surface and are substantially parallel to the direction of the magnetic field applied to the spin torque oscillator 26 by the hard bias film 30. The spin injection layer 26 ₂ has a stacked structure in which a spin injection film 26 ₂₁, an intermediate film 26 ₂₂, a spin injection film 26 ₂₃, and an antiferromagnetic film 26 ₂₄ are stacked in this order. The current generated from the constant current source 70 flows in the direction of the arrow 75, and is substantially perpendicular to the magnetic field applied by the hard bias film 30. The base layer 26 ₇ is a Cr film of 5 nm in film thickness. The bias film 30 is a CoPt alloy film of 20 nm in film thickness. The oscillation layer 26 ₄ is a stack film formed with a 2-nm thick CoFe alloy film and a 6-nm thick NiFe alloy film. The intermediate layer 26 ₃ is a Cu film of 2 nm in film thickness. The spin injection film 26 ₂₁ is a FeCo alloy film of 3 nm in film thickness. The intermediate film 26 ₂₂ is a Ru film of 0.8 nm in film thickness. The spin injection film 26 ₂₃ is a FeCo alloy film of 3 nm in film thickness. The antiferromagnetic film 26 ₂₄ is an IrMn alloy film of 7 nm in film thickness. The hard bias film 30 is a stack film formed with a 5-nm thick Cr film and a 30-nm thick CoCrPt alloy film. In this second specific example, the magnetization directions of the spin injection film 26 ₂₃, the spin injection film 26 ₂₁, and the bias layer 26 ₆ are parallel to the film plane, and are antiparallel to one another in the above order. This is because the spin injection film 26 ₂₁, the intermediate film 26 ₂₂, and the spin injection film 26 ₂₃ form a stacked ferri-structure, and the ferromagnetic film 26 ₂₄ applies an exchange coupling magnetic field to the spin injection film 26 ₂₃ in a direction parallel to the film plane. This is also because the base layer 26 ₇ causes the easy axis direction of the bias layer 26 ₆ to be parallel to the film plane, and magnetization is performed so that the magnetization direction of the bias layer 26 ₆ and the magnetization direction of the hard bias film 30 become parallel to the direction of the exchange coupling magnetic field generated by the antiferromagnetic film 26 ₂₄. In FIG. 18, the core width x of the main magnetic pole 22 (the size of the main magnetic pole that is parallel to the recording air bearing surface and is parallel to the track width) is smaller than the core width of the spin torque oscillator 26. This is because, since writing on the recording medium is performed in the overlapping area of the recording magnetic field generated from the main magnetic pole 22 and the high-frequency magnetic field generated from the spin torque oscillator 26, the track width on the recording medium can be determined by the smaller core width of the spin torque oscillator 26. Further, by increasing the core width of the main magnetic pole 22, a greater recording magnetic field can be generated, and writing can be performed on a recording medium having higher coercivity.

As described above, the magnetic field applied to each of the first and second specific examples of the spin torque oscillator 26 by the hard bias film 30 is a magnetic field in a direction that is perpendicular to the magnetic field generated between the main magnetic pole 22 and the shield 24 b in the track longitudinal direction (or is parallel to the track width). With this arrangement, the oscillation frequency can be stabilized, regardless of the direction of the writing magnetic field, as described above.

As in the first embodiment of the present invention, the spin injection layer 26 ₂ and the bias layer 26 ₆ may be formed with materials having excellent vertical orientation, including CoCr magnetic layers such as a CoCrPt layer, a CoCrTa layer, a CoCrTaPt layer, and a CoCrTaNb layer, CoPt or FePt alloy magnetic layers, and SmCo alloy magnetic layers. In this case, a base layer may be employed so as to control the magnetization direction of the magnetic layer to be perpendicular or parallel to the film plane. For example, to make the magnetization direction parallel to the film plane, it is possible to employ a nonmagnetic transition metal such as Cr, Ta, Ti, or W, or an alloy of those metals, or a stack film of those metals. Also, the spin injection layer 26 ₂ and the bias layer 26 ₆ may be formed with stacked structures including a ferromagnetic layer and an antiferromagnetic layer utilizing exchange coupling. In such a case, the ferromagnetic layer may be one of the above CoCr alloy layers, CoPt alloy layers, FePt alloy layers, and SmCo alloy layers, or a soft magnetic layer made of CoFe, CoNiFe, NiFe, CoZrNb, FeN, FeSi, or FeAISi, or an alloy layer formed by adding Al, Si, Ge, Mn, or Cr to CoFe. The antiferromagnetic layer may be made of a material such as FeMn, NiMn, FeNiMn, FeMnRh, RhMn, CoMn, CrMn, CrMnPt, CrMnRh, CrMnCu, CrMnPd, CrMnIr, CrMnNi, CrMnCo, CrMnTi, PtMn, PdMn, PdPtMn, or IrMn. It is also possible to employ a stacked ferri-structure in which a ferromagnetic film, a nonmagnetic film, and a ferromagnetic film are stacked, or a stacked structure in which a stacked ferri-structure and an antiferromagnetic film are stacked. In such a case, the above described ferromagnetic layer can be used as the ferromagnetic films. It is preferable that a noble metal such as Cu, Pt, Au, Ag, Pd, or Ru is used for the nonmagnetic film. Also, a nonmagnetic transition metal such as Cr. Rh, Mo, or W can be used for the nonmagnetic film. The above described antiferromagnetic layer may be used for the antiferromagnetic film.

Next, modifications of this embodiment are described.

First Modification

FIG. 19 illustrates a magnetic head in accordance with a first modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the magnetic head of this modification and a magnetic recording medium, taken along a plane in a direction (the track longitudinal direction) that is perpendicular to the air bearing surface and is parallel to the moving direction of the magnetic recording medium. In the magnetic head of this modification, the writing head unit 20C of the magnetic head of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 16 is replaced with a writing head unit 20D of a single-pole structure. In this writing head unit 20D, the return yoke 24 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 16 is replaced with a return yoke 24A that does not have the front portion (the shield) 24 b.

In a magnetic recording head having a conventional single-pole structure, a perpendicular recording magnetic field is generated immediately below the main magnetic pole, but an insufficient diagonal recording magnetic field is generated in the magnetic recording medium. Therefore, it is preferable that a return yoke (a shield) is placed in the vicinity of the main magnetic pole. In a case where the electromagnet 28 is placed in the vicinity of the main magnetic pole 22 as in this modification, however, the in-plane magnetic field generated from the two magnetic poles of the electromagnet 28 is combined with the perpendicular recording magnetic field generated from the main magnetic pole 22, and a diagonal recording magnetic pole is generated within the magnetic recording medium 100 accordingly. With this arrangement, the in-plane high-frequency magnetic field and the diagonal recording magnetic field can be combined with each other within the medium, without the return path (the shield) 24 b. In a magnetic recording operation utilizing such a diagonal recording magnetic field, recording can be performed with a smaller magnetic field than the normal coercivity of the magnetic recording medium 100.

Like the second embodiment, this modification can also restrict the variation of the spin torque oscillator frequency due to a recording magnetic field.

Second Modification

FIG. 20 illustrates a magnetic head in accordance with a second modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the magnetic head of this modification and a magnetic recording medium, taken along a plane in a direction (the track longitudinal direction) that is perpendicular to the air bearing surface and is parallel to the moving direction of the magnetic recording medium. The magnetic head of this modification differs from the magnetic head of the first modification shown in FIG. 19, in that the writing head unit 20D is replaced with a writing head unit 20E having the spin torque oscillator 26 placed on the leading side of the main magnetic pole 22.

In a magnetic recording operation utilizing a high-frequency assisted magnetic field, writing is performed at the portion at which the in-plane high-frequency magnetic field generated from the spin torque oscillator 26 is combined with the recording magnetic field generated from the main magnetic pole 22. Accordingly, in a magnetic recording operation utilizing a high-frequency assisted magnetic field, the magnetization information in the recording area with respect to the recording magnetic field generated from the main magnetic pole 22 is more stable than in a conventional magnetic recording operation. Thus, the spin torque oscillator 26 can be placed on the leading side of the main magnetic pole 22 as in this modification.

Like the second embodiment, this modification can also restrict the variation of the spin torque oscillator frequency due to a recording magnetic field.

As described above, each magnetic head of the first and second embodiments and their modifications includes a main magnetic pole (the recording magnetic pole), a spin torque oscillator formed in the vicinity of the main magnetic pole, and an electromagnet or a hard bias film for applying a magnetic field to the spin torque oscillator. The bias magnetic field generated from the electromagnet or the hard bias film is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field generated from the main magnetic pole. More specifically, the magnetic poles of the electromagnet or the hard bias film is placed along the end portions in the track width direction, so that the bias magnetic field generated from the magnetic poles of the electromagnet or the hard bias film is applied in the track width direction. The electromagnet has a structure formed by winding a coil around a magnetic member having a closed magnetic path and a void therein. A large magnetic field is generated in the void in a direction perpendicular to the pole facing plane. In a case where the hard bias film is used, it is preferable that a pair of hard bias films are placed at the ends of the track width direction, so as to increase the uniformity and intensity of the bias magnetic field.

The spin torque oscillator has a stacked structure formed with an oscillator layer, an intermediate layer, and a spin injection layer. The spin torque oscillator also has electrodes and a direct current source for generating a driving current required for oscillations. In a case where the film planes of the respective layers are parallel to the moving direction of the magnetic recording medium, a spin injection layer having magnetization oriented in a direction perpendicular to the film planes is used, and a bias magnetic field is applied in the track width direction, so as to effectively cause oscillations in the magnetization of the oscillation layer. In a case where the film planes of the respective layers are parallel to the track width direction, a spin injection layer having magnetization oriented in the in-plane direction is used, and a bias magnetic field is applied in the track width direction, so that the magnetization of the oscillation layer oscillate effectively.

Here, to reduce the adverse influence of the magnetic body of the electromagnet or the magnetic field of the hard bias film on the magnetic recording medium located immediately below the electromagnet or the hard bias film, it is preferable that the magnetic body of the electromagnet or the hard bias film is placed further behind the air bearing surface, compared with the spin torque oscillator and the recording magnetic pole.

Third Embodiment

Next, a magnetic recording and reproducing device in accordance with the present invention is described. The magnetic head of each of the embodiments of the present invention and their modifications described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 20 can be incorporated into a magnetic head assembly of an integrated recording and reproducing type, and can be mounted on a magnetic recording and reproducing device.

FIG. 21 is a schematic perspective view showing the components of such a magnetic recording device. The magnetic recording and reproducing device 150 of this embodiment is a device with a rotary actuator. In FIG. 21, a longitudinal-direction or vertical-direction recording magnetic disk 200 is mounted onto a spindle 152, and is rotated in the direction of the arrow A by a motor (not shown) that responds to a control signal supplied from a driving device controller (not shown). The magnetic disk 200 is a two-layer magnetic recording medium that has a perpendicular recording layer and a soft-magnetic backing layer. A head slider 153 that reproduces the information recorded on the magnetic disk 200 is attached to the top end of a thin-film suspension 154. Here, the head slider 153 has a magnetic head of one of the embodiments in the vicinity of the top end.

When the magnetic disk 200 is rotated, the air bearing surface (ABS) of the head slider 153 is maintained at a predetermined floating distance from the surface of the magnetic disk 200.

The suspension 154 is connected to one end of an actuator arm 155 that has a bobbin portion for holding a driving coil (not shown). A voice coil motor 156 that is a kind of a linear motor is attached to the other end of the actuator arm 155. The voice coil motor 156 is formed with the driving coil (not shown) wound around the bobbin portion of the actuator arm 155, and a magnetic circuit that includes a permanent magnet and a facing yoke that face each other and sandwich the driving coil.

The actuator arm 155 is held by ball bearings (not shown) provided at an upper portion and a lower portion of a fixed axis 157, and can freely rotate and slide by virtue of the voice coil motor 156.

FIG. 22 is an enlarged perspective view of the top portions of the magnetic head assembly including the actuator arm 155, seen from the disk side. The magnetic head assembly 160 includes the actuator arm 155 having the bobbin portion for holding the driving coil, for example. The suspension 154 is connected to one end of the actuator arm 155.

The head slider 153 having one of the reproducing magnetic head described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 20 is attached to the top end of the suspension 154. The suspension 154 has lead lines 164 for the spin torque oscillator and for signal writing and reading. The lead lines 164 are electrically connected to the respective electrodes of the magnetic head incorporated into the head slider 153. In FIG. 22, reference numeral 165 indicates electrode pads of the magnetic head assembly 160.

Here, the predetermined floating distance is maintained between the air bearing surface (ABS) of the head slider 153 and the surface of the magnetic disk 200.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described so far by way of specific examples. However, the present invention is not limited to those specific examples. For example, magnetic recording media that can be used in the present invention are not limited to the magnetic recording medium 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 20, and any magnetic recording medium having a recording layer and a soft magnetic layer can be used to achieve the same effects as the above described effects. More specifically, it is possible to use a discrete track medium that has tracks arranged in parallel with one another and nonmagnetic portions provided between the adjacent tracks, or a discrete bit medium that has magnetic bits and nonmagnetic portions provided between the magnetic bits.

Also, the materials and shapes of the components of magnetic heads are not limited to those described as the specific examples, and any materials and shapes that can be selected by those skilled in the art can be used to achieve the same effects as above.

Also, magnetic recording media that can be used in magnetic recording and reproducing devices are not limited to hard disks, but any other magnetic recording media such as flexible disks and magnetic cards can be used. Further, it is possible to employ a so-called “removable”-type device from which a magnetic recording medium can be detached.

FIGS. 23A and 23B show a specific example of a magnetic recording medium that can be used in each of the above described embodiments. The magnetic recording medium 201 in this specific example is a discrete magnetic recording medium having multiparticle magnetic discrete tracks 286 that are separated from one another by nonmagnetic portions (or air portions) 287 and are vertically oriented. When this medium 201 is rotated by a spindle motor 204 and is moved in the medium running direction 285, recorded magnetized portions 284 can be formed by a magnetic recording head 205 mounted onto a head slider 203. The head slider 203 is attached to the top end of a suspension 202. This suspension 202 has lead lines for signal writing and reading, and the lead lines are electrically connected to the electrodes of the magnetic head 205 incorporated into the head slider 203.

The width (TS) of the spin oscillator in the recording track width direction is made equal to or greater than the width (TW) of each of the recording tracks 286 and equal to or smaller than the recording track pitch (TP), so that a decrease in the coercivity of the adjacent recording tracks due to the leakage high-frequency magnetic field generated from the spin oscillator can be effectively restricted. Accordingly, in the magnetic recording medium in this specific example, high-frequency assisted magnetic recording can be performed effectively only on desired recording tracks 286.

In this specific example, a high-frequency assisted recording device having narrow tracks and a high track density is more readily realized than in a case where a multiparticle vertical medium of a so-called “no-gap film type” is used. Also, in a conventional magnetic recording head, an unwritable medium magnetic material with high magnetic anisotropic energy (Ku), such as FePt or SmCo, is used according to the high-frequency assisted magnetic recording method, so as to further reduce the nanometer size of the medium magnetic particles. In this manner, a magnetic recording medium having a much higher line recording density in the recording track direction (the bit direction) than a conventional magnetic recording medium can be obtained.

FIGS. 24A and 24B are schematic views showing another example of a magnetic recording medium that can be used in each of the above embodiments. The magnetic recording medium 201 in this specific example is a discrete bit magnetic recording medium that has magnetic discrete bits 288 separated from one another by a nonmagnetic portion 287. When this medium 201 is rotated by the spindle motor 204 and is moved in the medium running direction 285, recorded magnetized portions 284 can be formed by the magnetic recording head 205 mounted onto the head slider 203.

As shown in FIGS. 23A through 24B, with any of the magnetic heads of the above described embodiments, recording can be accurately performed on the recording layer with high coercivity on the magnetic recording medium 201 of the discrete track type or the discrete bit type. Thus, high-density and high-speed magnetic recording can be performed.

In this specific example, the width (TS) of the spin oscillator in the recording track width direction is made equal to or greater than the width (TW) of each of the recording tracks 286 and equal to or smaller than the recording track pitch (TP), so that a decrease in the coercivity of the adjacent recording tracks due to the leakage high-frequency magnetic field generated from the spin oscillator can be effectively restricted. Accordingly, high-frequency assisted magnetic recording can be performed effectively only on desired recording tracks 286. With this embodiment, there is a possibility that a high-frequency assisted magnetic recording medium with a recording density of 10 Tbits/inch² or higher can be realized by giving high magnetic anisotropic energy (Ku) to the magnetic dots 288 and reducing the size of the magnetic dots 288, as long as the resistance to heat fluctuations is maintained in the usage environment.

Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described herein.

Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concepts as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. 

1. A magnetic head comprising: a recording magnetic pole to generate a recording magnetic field; a spin torque oscillator formed in the vicinity of the recording magnetic pole; and a magnetic field applying unit configured to apply a magnetic field to the spin torque oscillator, the magnetic field applied to the spin torque oscillator by the magnetic field applying unit being perpendicular to a recording magnetic field generated from the recording magnetic pole.
 2. The head according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic field applying unit is formed with an electromagnet that includes a magnetic core having a void, and an electromagnetic coil that is designed to surround the magnetic core and excite the magnetic core, and applies a magnetic field generated from the magnetic core to the spin torque oscillator.
 3. The head according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic field applying unit is formed with hard bias film.
 4. The head according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic applying unit is further away from the magnetic recording medium than an air bearing surface of the spin torque oscillator facing the magnetic recording medium.
 5. The head according to claim 1, further comprising a shield magnetically connected to the recording magnetic pole, and having a portion extending in a direction parallel to an air bearing surface of the recording magnetic pole.
 6. The head according to claim 5, wherein the spin torque oscillator is placed between the shield and the recording magnetic pole.
 7. A magnetic head comprising: a recording magnetic pole to generate a recording magnetic field; a spin torque oscillator formed in the vicinity of the recording magnetic pole; and a magnetic field applying unit provided at either end portion of the spin torque oscillator in a direction perpendicular to a direction parallel to a line connecting the recording magnetic pole and the spin torque oscillator in a plane parallel to an air bearing surface, the magnetic field applying unit configured to apply a magnetic field to the spin torque oscillator, the spin torque oscillator including: a first magnetic layer comprising at least one layer of magnetic film; a second magnetic layer comprising at least one layer of magnetic film; an intermediate layer provided between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer; and an electrode comprising a first electrode layer placed on a face of the first magnetic layer on the opposite side from the intermediate layer, and a second electrode layer placed on a face of the second magnetic layer on the opposite side from the intermediate layer, the electrode being capable of applying a current flowing in a direction perpendicular to film planes of the first magnetic layer, the intermediate layer, and the second magnetic layer, the first electrode layer, the first magnetic layer, the intermediate layer, the second magnetic layer, and the second electrode layer being stacked in a direction parallel to a direction connecting the two end portions of the spin torque oscillator.
 8. The head according to claim 7, wherein the magnetic field applying unit is formed with an electromagnet that includes a magnetic core having a void, and an electromagnetic coil that is designed to surround the magnetic core and excite the magnetic core, and applies a magnetic field generated from the magnetic core to the spin torque oscillator.
 9. The head according to claim 7, wherein the magnetic field applying unit is formed with hard bias film.
 10. The head according to claim 7, wherein the magnetic applying unit is further away from the magnetic recording medium than an air bearing surface of the spin torque oscillator facing the magnetic recording medium.
 11. The head according to claim 7, further comprising a shield magnetically connected to the recording magnetic pole, and having a portion extending in a direction parallel to an air bearing surface of the recording magnetic pole.
 12. The head according to claim 11, wherein the spin torque oscillator is placed between the shield and the recording magnetic pole.
 13. A magnetic head comprising: a recording magnetic pole to generate a recording magnetic field; a spin torque oscillator formed in the vicinity of the recording magnetic pole; and a magnetic field applying unit provided at either end portion of the spin torque oscillator in a direction perpendicular to a direction parallel to a line connecting the recording magnetic pole and the spin torque oscillator in a plane parallel to an air bearing surface, the magnetic field applying unit configured to apply a magnetic field to the spin torque oscillator, the spin torque oscillator including: a first magnetic layer comprising at least one layer of magnetic film; a second magnetic layer comprising at least one layer of magnetic film; an intermediate layer provided between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer; and an electrode comprising a first electrode layer placed on a face of the first magnetic layer on the opposite side from the intermediate layer, and a second electrode layer placed on a face of the second magnetic layer on the opposite side from the intermediate layer, the electrode being capable of applying a current flowing in a direction perpendicular to film planes of the first magnetic layer, the intermediate layer, and the second magnetic layer, the first electrode layer, the first magnetic layer, the intermediate layer, the second magnetic layer, and the second electrode layer being stacked in a direction perpendicular to a direction connecting the two end portions of the spin torque oscillator.
 14. The head according to claim 13, wherein the magnetic field applying unit is formed with an electromagnet that includes a magnetic core having a void, and an electromagnetic coil that is designed to surround the magnetic core and excite the magnetic core, and applies a magnetic field generated from the magnetic core to the spin torque oscillator.
 15. The head according to claim 13, wherein the magnetic field applying unit is formed with hard bias film.
 16. The head according to claim 13, wherein the magnetic applying unit is further away from the magnetic recording medium than an air bearing surface of the spin torque oscillator facing the magnetic recording medium.
 17. The head according to claim 13, further comprising a shield magnetically connected to the recording magnetic pole, and having a portion extending in a direction parallel to an air bearing surface of the recording magnetic pole.
 18. The head according to claim 17, wherein the spin torque oscillator is placed between the shield and the recording magnetic pole.
 19. A magnetic recording device comprising: a magnetic recording medium; and the magnetic head according to claim 1, wherein writing on the magnetic recording medium is performed with the use of the magnetic recording head.
 20. The device according to claim 19, wherein the spin torque oscillator is placed on a trailing side of the recording magnetic pole.
 21. The device according to claim 19, wherein the spin torque oscillator is placed on a leading side of the recording magnetic pole.
 22. The device according to claim 19, wherein the magnetic recording medium is a discrete track medium that has a plurality of tracks arranged in parallel with one another, and a nonmagnetic portion provided between the adjacent tracks.
 23. The device according to claim 19, wherein the magnetic recording medium is a discrete bit medium that has a plurality of magnetic dots, and a nonmagnetic portion provided between the magnetic dots. 